Pam and I just got back from 5 days in PV. We actually stayed in Nuevo Vallarta and quite frankly, we were less than impressed. The town of Puerto is very nice, and we enjoyed walking around downtown. Our resort however, was a 14.00 cab ride away from town. The only other option was a bus ride. The bus was safe and cheaper, but an investment in time and after the third trip into town, it was a burden.
In the future, we would stay at least as close as the Marina area, if not in town. Two restuarants to try: Pipi's - incredible margaritas; and Si Senor - for amazing traditional mexican food.
We also did the Los Verranos zip line tour. Very fun and very pleasant staff. Dan and Cheryl Hydrick - November 2007:
Just returned from the Melia in Puerto Vallarta, marina area. Watch for specials on the Melia site as they include taxes and fees. The resort is All Inclusive and has 4 restaurants to chose from, which were all amazing. The bus to downtown stops in front of the resort and comes every couple of minutes(5pesos). If you are taking a taxi from the airport to your resort, go across the walkway and get a taxi on the other side of the road for 5-6 dollars compared to 15 at the airport. Returning to the airport by taxi costs 4 dollars. Internet there was 2 dollars for 30 minutes and you could log on and off as much as you liked with a code. There were no sales pitches for their time shares. The marina shops and restaurants are less than one block away, so lots to do.
Dan and Cheryl Hydrick July 2010:
Getting the bus from the PV airport is simple, however keep in mind that you MUST BE TRAVELING LIGHT. You cannot have 2 - 3 suitcases per person and expect to take the bus. If you only have 1 duffle bag or backpack style suitcase, then the bus is perfect for you if you are the adventurous type who wants to experience the real Mexico. Please note, the buses ARE NOT AIR CONDITIONED and the weather / humidity is very similar to Houston Texas during the summer (think 98* and 90% humidity). However, this is Mexico, you are on vacation; go with it!
The current (2010) cost is $6.50 Mx pesos, exact change is appreciated. You will receive a small paper receipt, wait just a moment for it as it is required of all passengers. As you leave Customs, you will enter a long hallway with car rental agency booths to your left. Keep walking past all of these to the doorway directly ahead of you. If you need, there is a Casa de Cambio (Money exchange booth) to your left also, located amongst the Car Rental Agencies.
After you exit the airport building itself, you will notice a pedestrian bridge to your left that crosses the main road in front of you. IF your hotel is South of the airport, then DO NOT CROSS the pedestrian bridge, as you are already on the correct side for the local blue buses (actually a white bus with a large wide blue stripe vs. a green striped bus) heading to the Hotel zone SOUTH of the airport. Make sure that your bus DOES NOT have the word TUNEL written on the windshield, as this route (TUNEL)does not go directly past the Hotel zone. Step onto the large cement platform, and wait for your bus. When you see the one you want, simply take your right arm and point to the roadway about 5 feet in front of you; the driver will stop and you are soon on your bumpy way to your hotel area. Please note it will take about 20 minutes or so, depending on the local traffic and all.
If your hotel is in Nuevo Vallarta, NORTH of the airport, then you must cross the pedestrian bridge and catch the bus on the other side. The cost is the same, still $6.50 Mx pesos. And you will see the covered bus stop / platform there for you. Again, point to the roadway, and the bus will come to a screeching halt to let you board.
While on the bus, try talking and practicing your Spanish with the locals. Ask questions if you have any. Please note that the 1st row of seats immediately behind the driver is reserved for the elderly and pregnant women, so keep this in mind accordingly. You can also mention your hotel name to the driver, and most will tell you when they get as close as the bus route will ever get to that particular hotel.
I was staying in the Romantic Zone, so I had to walk the last six (6) blocks to my hotel as the blue bus route turned around before entering the exact area. However I am a trooper, and this was not a problem for me at all. I knew the general direction I was headed, started walking, and after just a few minutes lo and behold I was on the corner of the street for my hotel! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Voght - March 2012:
Actually Yelapa. Can't get there by car, so you need to take a "water Taxi" or motorized row boat /canoe from the PV Beach; there are some old life jackets, but no safety drill; don't worry since there is a teenager standing on the bow to rescue you if you fall overboard. You'll get your feet wet since there is no pier; the boat gets as close as possible and you hop in; $12 and about an hour ride or take the "comfortable" bus (they have not discovered shock absorbers) to Boca ($2.00), then the boat from a pier for $6.00 and a half hour boat ride. We stayed in a palapa in Yelapa for $50 per night with the best view of the port and town; there were 193 steps UP to the place (Casa Milagros); the owner does it everyday (Websites: http://www.casapaloma.info/ and http://www.casamilagros.net/ ); it is a Yoga retreat and gets booked up in December and January; you can use her kitchen. Her brother carves Rosewood in town and has for 40 years. She has a big new refrigerator; I would have liked to see them carry it up the steps. About a 15 minute walk to town. No cars. A lot of mules/donkeys. Went to the Waterfall (15 minutes); met the Yelapa bassett hound, "Charlie" (Website for bassett hound: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g504234-i9460-k2607809-Charlie_the_Basset_Hound_in_Yelapa-Yelapa_Costalegre_Pacific_Coast.html ) who was walking to the beach unaccompied by humans; you can buy his painted pic for $300. Several good eating places. The Pie Lady (Websites: http://www.banderasnews.com/0812/vl-pielady.htm and http://www.banderasnews.com/0710/nb-pieladies.htm ) has been there for decades and bakes the best pies I have ever had (sorry Mom); You can go to her house (by the laundry) or to the big beach where her offspring sells pie pieces daily (1100-1500) or buy them at the store by the ice cream stand. A great quiet peaceful vacation. Almost makes an old guy romatic (see, I can't even spell it). Websites: http://www.yelapa.info/ and http://blog.cuponismo.com/travel/yelapa-history.html and http://www.vallarta-info.com/yelapa.html .
Enjoy!
Art John Burkart - Fall/Winter 2013-14:
Just thought I would introduce myself, I am a new SCOUT and have spent much of my free time in PV. I am usually up to date as to what is happening there and also am willing to help YOU enjoy my favorite travel destination (2nd home?) . I have posted several lodging options I am personally involved with, but am also happy to answer any questions I can. Only 2HR and 45 MIN. direct from Denver it is a great warm weather beach destination all of you should enjoy. I can connect you with a wonderful personal friend of mine that can be your personal guide to places in the area you may not know exist. The zoo, botanical gardens, the small towns and great beaches of San Pancho, and Sayulita. I also have jetskis available at a fraction of the beach cost to explore the back canals in Nuevo Vallarta or find your own secluded beach within the Bay of Banderous . Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. And yes, Puerto Vallarta is a safe and reasonable (with inside info) vacation destination. Have Fun!!!
We got bumped for a flight to Cancun on a Wednesday, so came back the next day and got seats to Puerta Vallarta! We stayed at the Sheraton Bogenvillias, which is centrally located. Nice hotel with 3 pools and beachfront seating. The local bus stops at the main road right in front of the hotel, so it was very easy to commute back and forth into the main square in town. The Mega is within walking distance of the hotel, to stock up on food, drinks, etc. --they've got everything!!
The downtown area is the hub of excitement. There are many restaurants, vendors for shopping, stores, dance clubs and other goings on everyday and every evening. The buses to get back are a little trickier, as there are no posted signs as to their stops. Just find a street heading back in the direction that you came (most are one way), and look for people standing on the corner. The buses are marked with the hotel names on the windshields. The buses are cheap, but may get crowded. Taxis are available but more expensive.
It's worth a trip to Mismaloya, if you like tequila. There is a tequila distillery in this quiet little town, where you can try samples of the best tequila I've ever tasted, in flavors of chocolate, berry and other flavors. (Say hello to Julio from Roberta and Dee!) Across the street from the distillery, we ate at a restaurant (don't know the name, but pretty much the only thing across the street), that was excellent!
Then, board the bus and continue South to Boca de Tomatlan. There's a small beach/restaurant there where you can sit and enjoy the comings and goings, or catch a boat to Yelapa, which can't be accessed by car. We only had a couple of hours to spend there due to a late start, but enjoyed a short walk to the waterfall for a dip in the pool below the waterfall, and a nice lunch at the pier before departing. I would suggest departing early to have more time to explore.
This was a quick (approx. 3 hour) direct Frontier flight, that leaves around 8:40am. You'll be at your hotel and on the beach with drink in hand by 1:00pm!
Puerto Vallarta Wikitravel Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Puerto_Vallarta
Jim and Pam Cosgrove - October 2007:
Pam and I just got back from 5 days in PV. We actually stayed in Nuevo Vallarta and quite frankly, we were less than impressed. The town of Puerto is very nice, and we enjoyed walking around downtown. Our resort however, was a 14.00 cab ride away from town. The only other option was a bus ride. The bus was safe and cheaper, but an investment in time and after the third trip into town, it was a burden.
In the future, we would stay at least as close as the Marina area, if not in town. Two restuarants to try: Pipi's - incredible margaritas; and Si Senor - for amazing traditional mexican food.
We also did the Los Verranos zip line tour. Very fun and very pleasant staff.
Dan and Cheryl Hydrick - November 2007:
Just returned from the Melia in Puerto Vallarta, marina area. Watch for specials on the Melia site as they include taxes and fees. The resort is All Inclusive and has 4 restaurants to chose from, which were all amazing. The bus to downtown stops in front of the resort and comes every couple of minutes(5pesos). If you are taking a taxi from the airport to your resort, go across the walkway and get a taxi on the other side of the road for 5-6 dollars compared to 15 at the airport. Returning to the airport by taxi costs 4 dollars. Internet there was 2 dollars for 30 minutes and you could log on and off as much as you liked with a code. There were no sales pitches for their time shares. The marina shops and restaurants are less than one block away, so lots to do.
Dan and Cheryl Hydrick
July 2010:
Getting the bus from the PV airport is simple, however keep in mind that you MUST BE TRAVELING LIGHT. You cannot have 2 - 3 suitcases per person and expect to take the bus. If you only have 1 duffle bag or backpack style suitcase, then the bus is perfect for you if you are the adventurous type who wants to experience the real Mexico. Please note, the buses ARE NOT AIR CONDITIONED and the weather / humidity is very similar to Houston Texas during the summer (think 98* and 90% humidity). However, this is Mexico, you are on vacation; go with it!
The current (2010) cost is $6.50 Mx pesos, exact change is appreciated. You will receive a small paper receipt, wait just a moment for it as it is required of all passengers. As you leave Customs, you will enter a long hallway with car rental agency booths to your left. Keep walking past all of these to the doorway directly ahead of you. If you need, there is a Casa de Cambio (Money exchange booth) to your left also, located amongst the Car Rental Agencies.
After you exit the airport building itself, you will notice a pedestrian bridge to your left that crosses the main road in front of you. IF your hotel is South of the airport, then DO NOT CROSS the pedestrian bridge, as you are already on the correct side for the local blue buses (actually a white bus with a large wide blue stripe vs. a green striped bus) heading to the Hotel zone SOUTH of the airport. Make sure that your bus DOES NOT have the word TUNEL written on the windshield, as this route (TUNEL)does not go directly past the Hotel zone. Step onto the large cement platform, and wait for your bus. When you see the one you want, simply take your right arm and point to the roadway about 5 feet in front of you; the driver will stop and you are soon on your bumpy way to your hotel area. Please note it will take about 20 minutes or so, depending on the local traffic and all.
If your hotel is in Nuevo Vallarta, NORTH of the airport, then you must cross the pedestrian bridge and catch the bus on the other side. The cost is the same, still $6.50 Mx pesos. And you will see the covered bus stop / platform there for you. Again, point to the roadway, and the bus will come to a screeching halt to let you board.
While on the bus, try talking and practicing your Spanish with the locals. Ask questions if you have any. Please note that the 1st row of seats immediately behind the driver is reserved for the elderly and pregnant women, so keep this in mind accordingly. You can also mention your hotel name to the driver, and most will tell you when they get as close as the bus route will ever get to that particular hotel.
I was staying in the Romantic Zone, so I had to walk the last six (6) blocks to my hotel as the blue bus route turned around before entering the exact area. However I am a trooper, and this was not a problem for me at all. I knew the general direction I was headed, started walking, and after just a few minutes lo and behold I was on the corner of the street for my hotel!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Art Voght - March 2012:
Actually Yelapa. Can't get there by car, so you need to take a "water Taxi" or motorized row boat /canoe from the PV Beach; there are some old life jackets, but no safety drill; don't worry since there is a teenager standing on the bow to rescue you if you fall overboard. You'll get your feet wet since there is no pier; the boat gets as close as possible and you hop in; $12 and about an hour ride or take the "comfortable" bus (they have not discovered shock absorbers) to Boca ($2.00), then the boat from a pier for $6.00 and a half hour boat ride. We stayed in a palapa in Yelapa for $50 per night with the best view of the port and town; there were 193 steps UP to the place (Casa Milagros); the owner does it everyday (Websites: http://www.casapaloma.info/ and http://www.casamilagros.net/ ); it is a Yoga retreat and gets booked up in December and January; you can use her kitchen. Her brother carves Rosewood in town and has for 40 years. She has a big new refrigerator; I would have liked to see them carry it up the steps. About a 15 minute walk to town. No cars. A lot of mules/donkeys. Went to the Waterfall (15 minutes); met the Yelapa bassett hound, "Charlie" (Website for bassett hound: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g504234-i9460-k2607809-Charlie_the_Basset_Hound_in_Yelapa-Yelapa_Costalegre_Pacific_Coast.html ) who was walking to the beach unaccompied by humans; you can buy his painted pic for $300. Several good eating places. The Pie Lady (Websites: http://www.banderasnews.com/0812/vl-pielady.htm and http://www.banderasnews.com/0710/nb-pieladies.htm ) has been there for decades and bakes the best pies I have ever had (sorry Mom); You can go to her house (by the laundry) or to the big beach where her offspring sells pie pieces daily (1100-1500) or buy them at the store by the ice cream stand. A great quiet peaceful vacation. Almost makes an old guy romatic (see, I can't even spell it). Websites: http://www.yelapa.info/ and http://blog.cuponismo.com/travel/yelapa-history.html and http://www.vallarta-info.com/yelapa.html .
Enjoy!
Art
John Burkart - Fall/Winter 2013-14:
Just thought I would introduce myself, I am a new SCOUT and have spent much of my free time in PV. I am usually up to date as to what is happening there and also am willing to help YOU enjoy my favorite travel destination (2nd home?) . I have posted several lodging options I am personally involved with, but am also happy to answer any questions I can. Only 2HR and 45 MIN. direct from Denver it is a great warm weather beach destination all of you should enjoy. I can connect you with a wonderful personal friend of mine that can be your personal guide to places in the area you may not know exist. The zoo, botanical gardens, the small towns and great beaches of San Pancho, and Sayulita. I also have jetskis available at a fraction of the beach cost to explore the back canals in Nuevo Vallarta or find your own secluded beach within the Bay of Banderous . Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. And yes, Puerto Vallarta is a safe and reasonable (with inside info) vacation destination. Have Fun!!!
John Burkart
303 912-8386
indenco@gmail.com
Roberta DeForest - November 2014
We got bumped for a flight to Cancun on a Wednesday, so came back the next day and got seats to Puerta Vallarta! We stayed at the Sheraton Bogenvillias, which is centrally located. Nice hotel with 3 pools and beachfront seating. The local bus stops at the main road right in front of the hotel, so it was very easy to commute back and forth into the main square in town. The Mega is within walking distance of the hotel, to stock up on food, drinks, etc. --they've got everything!!
The downtown area is the hub of excitement. There are many restaurants, vendors for shopping, stores, dance clubs and other goings on everyday and every evening. The buses to get back are a little trickier, as there are no posted signs as to their stops. Just find a street heading back in the direction that you came (most are one way), and look for people standing on the corner. The buses are marked with the hotel names on the windshields. The buses are cheap, but may get crowded. Taxis are available but more expensive.
It's worth a trip to Mismaloya, if you like tequila. There is a tequila distillery in this quiet little town, where you can try samples of the best tequila I've ever tasted, in flavors of chocolate, berry and other flavors. (Say hello to Julio from Roberta and Dee!) Across the street from the distillery, we ate at a restaurant (don't know the name, but pretty much the only thing across the street), that was excellent!
Then, board the bus and continue South to Boca de Tomatlan. There's a small beach/restaurant there where you can sit and enjoy the comings and goings, or catch a boat to Yelapa, which can't be accessed by car. We only had a couple of hours to spend there due to a late start, but enjoyed a short walk to the waterfall for a dip in the pool below the waterfall, and a nice lunch at the pier before departing. I would suggest departing early to have more time to explore.
This was a quick (approx. 3 hour) direct Frontier flight, that leaves around 8:40am. You'll be at your hotel and on the beach with drink in hand by 1:00pm!
https://picasaweb.google.com/113622242622743635460/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCLLtkf391YmMZA#6088261693441478386